Martin feeling more comfortable at the plate

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Russell Martin was in one of the worst hitting slumps of his career, hitting only .111 in June before Friday night’s Freeway Series opener against the Angels.

The Dodgers catcher isn’t exactly back in the race for a batting title after going one for three during the Dodgers’ 5-4 defeat at Angel Stadium, but he said he feels like he’s making progress.

‘Today I felt good,’ said Martin, who scored the Dodgers’ first run after he led off the third inning with a single. ‘I just feel like I’m putting better swings on the ball, recognizing the ball earlier.’

Martin, who’s now hitting .240 with no homers and 20 runs batted in, credited working with hitting instructor Don Mattingly for feeling more relaxed and comfortable in the batter’s box.

‘Sometimes it takes a while for something to click,’ Martin said. ‘When you feel like you’re in a good position to hit, it’s easier mentally.’

--Ben Bolch